The greenest, quietest stretch of the Garden Route, a string of lakes, rivers and forest just east of George. Canoe the Touw River to a waterfall, paddle the lakes, or take in the coast from the Map of Africa viewpoint.
Wilderness is the Garden Route’s quiet, green middle, the stretch where the route slows right down. Just east of George, it’s a string of lakes, two slow rivers and indigenous forest, all squeezed between the mountains and a long beach. After the towns and the adventure of the rest of the route, this is the part you come to for stillness.
The water is the draw. The classic outing is a canoe up the Touw River to where a boardwalk, the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail, carries on through the forest to a waterfall. Beyond the village, a chain of lakes spreads east toward Sedgefield, good for paddling and full of birds, with hides at Rondevlei and Langvlei and kingfishers and fish eagles along the reeds. It’s all part of the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park.
Above the village, the Map of Africa viewpoint looks down on a bend in the river shaped like the continent, with Dolphin Point and the old Kaaimans railway bridge close by. The same ridge is a paragliding launch, and tandem flights drift out over the lakes and the beach, while Segway and quad trails run through the forest for anyone who’d rather stay on the ground. The beach itself is long and lovely but has strong currents, so it’s better walked than swum. Wilderness makes a restful two-night base, with George just west and Knysna half an hour east.
Lakes, rivers and forest at the route's slowest pace, as gentle or as airborne as you like.
The signature outing is a canoe up the Touw River to where the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail leads on foot to a forest waterfall. Beyond it, a chain of lakes is good for paddling and birdwatching, with bird hides at Rondevlei and kingfishers and fish eagles along the water.
Above the village, the Map of Africa viewpoint looks down on a river bend shaped like the continent, with Dolphin Point along the coast. The same ridge is a paragliding launch, and tandem flights drift out over the beach. Segway and quad trails run through the forest for something on the ground.
Hire a canoe at the park, paddle up the river, then walk the Half-Collared Kingfisher boardwalk to the waterfall at the end. The classic Wilderness half-day.
The Rondevlei and Langvlei hides look out over the lakes and reedbeds, with kingfishers, herons and fish eagles. Early morning is best.
The viewpoint over the river bend and the coast is a short drive above the village, with Dolphin Point and the old Kaaimans railway bridge nearby.
Tandem flights launch off the ridge and drift down over the lakes and the beach. A still morning gives the smoothest air.
Wilderness beach is long and beautiful but has strong currents and few lifeguards. It's better for a walk than a swim.
This is the route's most peaceful stretch and an easy two-night base, with George just west and Knysna half an hour east.
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A tandem paraglide off the Wilderness ridge, drifting out over the lakes and the beach with an instructor. No experience needed.
Book on GetYourGuide →Paddle up the Touw River and walk the boardwalk to the forest waterfall, the classic Wilderness outing on the water.
See canoe trips →A guided off-road Segway ride on forest and farm trails above the village, an easy thrill on the ground.
See forest trails →Guesthouses in Wilderness and hotels around Knysna, the green middle of the route.
Find a stay →We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links — at no extra cost to you.
Wilderness is the Garden Route at its most peaceful. See the rest of what the route holds.
